My body apparently had a love affair with pregnancy. (I can’t say that my mind was totally in agreement all the time, however.) What I mean by that rather odd opening line is that for some reason or other, my children expected to set up permanent housekeeping inside of me. It seems that they felt perfectly content to stay where they were, and chose not to make an exit until forced to do so. Both of the boys’ gestations were “certified” extended affairs – each lasting at least 10 months.

Why am I thinking about that today? Every time I consider the journey of Mary and Joseph those thousands of years ago, I remember the long journey Ashley and I made 35 years ago – on the way to being parents for the first time. The first thought that comes to mind in reference to the first Christmas? I had it easy! Given someone with a listening ear, or with the time to read one of my overly long reminiscences, I could easily spin out a “delivery room horror story” that could make even the most intrepid mother blanche. I’m good at exaggeration. Truth to tell, both pregnancies came with their own set of less-than-wonderful occurrences, and even though both Mary’s and my labor ended in the same and usual way, I had it way easier than Mary.

For one thing, we had a car. Even though I have never ridden on a donkey, I am pretty darn sure that the last week of pregnancy at home, sitting on a couch or chair, a sympathetic husband and family members around, topped off by a brief car ride to the local maternity hospital pretty much trumps a week-long donkey ride through the desert. The fact that this might not have been all that unusual for the times does in no way ameliorate how uncomfortable a time it must have been for both Mary and Joseph.

A first-century stable as a labor & delivery room? I can make the story of the former storage-closet turned labor room at a little country hospital where Hubs and I found ourselves that long-ago, long August day/night/day, sound like the ultimate “Fear Factor” set, but it was surely a palace compared to a stable – a rude structure or adapted cave, with a straw and dung-covered floor – as a place to give birth. With the hot breath of the livestock, at least it was warm. It was not, though, I am quite certain, springtime fresh and odor free. No Lysol. No Febreze. I am and have always been spoiled. But I am grateful. Whenever I tell my stories, no matter how harrowing the tale, still I can smile (at least in retrospect). I had it easy.

Each Christmas Eve, I take some time during the day in a quiet place, to sit down and meditate on the first Christmas. I close my eyes, and recall the story. A young girl, unmarried (though betrothed), receives a visit from an angel one day, and nine months later, all of time is divided in two. A young, ordinary girl, and a “simple man of trade” take and accept on faith the tasks that the God they loved and worshipped had asked of them. It was a mighty act of obedience, when Mary, most certainly knowing how many of her community would view her, nevertheless bowed her head and said, “Let it be to me according to your word.” And, just as miraculously, it was. And the honorable Joseph: no one of his time would have blamed him had he delivered Mary up to ostracization, or to death by stoning. But through a dream he is reassured that what had already happened and what would come to be were in God’s hands. Truly, “such a strange way to save the world. . .”

That journey taken by Mary and Joseph will always give me pause. I do not know if I could or would have answered as Mary did. And even if I had, I doubt my ability to see the events through to their conclusion. So I tell you now that when I ponder the sacred events that Christians throughout the world celebrate this weekend, as much as I am in awe and wonder at what was accomplished, I am even more grateful that it was neither asked of, nor up to, me!

So much majesty, so much mystery. Such pomp, and such poverty. The ordinary sweetness of everyday life surviving in the midst of unimaginable evil and senseless violence. God did the most extraordinary thing. God came among as, as one of us, to show us we are deeply and unfathomably loved, and to show us how to love one another. Love came down at Christmas. Love made flesh and bone, that brings with it the saving Grace of relationship: Creator and created. Especially at this time of year I never fail to be astounded and overwhelmed when I ponder such an audacious act of love. Jesus Christ was, is, and always will be, through every aspect of life, in joy and in sorrow – enough. . .

(wc 800)

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About Paula Tohline Calhoun

I love life, and treasure it each day, because I have come so very close to losing it, more times than I can count! That's not to say that I don't get grumpy, so I've chosen this photo of me with "Andi" nibbling on my ear. Andi belongs to our son Josh, the eldest of our three sons - the others being Matt and Adam.
I strive to improve in all aspects of my life. Some days I'm more successful than others, in much the same way as my blog says, "some days are cloudier than others." I live and love by the Grace of God. My wish, my prayer for everyone is enough. . .

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13 thoughts on “Christmas Eve – 2011”

I agree with you wholeheartedly! Although I think that all that donkey riding must have been great for her labor and delivery. Once I realized it I thought that was very a clever move on the Lord’s part to arrange that. Think about why they use the exersice balls in the hospitals now. Not to mention the rocking motion to move things down and even soothe her labor pains. Also I would guess she had something else to concentrate on other than labor. She had to not fall off of that donkey.

Most of us would say she was a very brave girl. But no, she knew exactly who she was dealing with and that it would all be fine. Just think of the relationship she had with God. She could answer yes and know that all would be well.

‘The house was filled with wonderful smells.
And the sound of a C D playing “Silver Bells”.
I could hear “Mom” rustling in the kitchen.
So I ran in there like a kid on a mission.
I saw hotcakes with berries and french toast
With confectioner’s sugar sprinkled like frost.

A big pot of fresh coffee was dripping.
The cookies we left Santa were missing.
That was the proof that he had been there.
The scent of pine boughs was in the air.
Mistletoe dangled from the chandelier.
Greeting cards stood on end everywhere.

Beautifully written and told. Indeed,a strange ( and wonderful) way to save the world. Thank you for introducing me to the song and insisting I sing it during Advent.
It is truly an opportunity to look at the events of the Incarnation through Jospeh’s eyes. This song along with “Little Jeshua” are among my favorites in contemporary Christmas music. I look forward to hearing you sing “Breath of Heaven” tonight.
Hubs

Thank you for a wonderful story– a true story at that. We rarely hear about Joseph’s commitment and love for Mary and God. Mary’s ordeal is an unknown quanity to men and thankfully so. If men were to be the bearer of children there would be far fewer in this world.

Jesus came to us not as a judge but as an example and the world has never been the same since. And Mary and Joseph did their part.

Ten month pregnant? I bet Ashley walk carefully for those last two months!

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Every poem or story or essay I post here is a draft, and usually a very early draft. I'm still learning how to look at my writing objectively, and when it comes to fixing what's broken or just non-functioning, ...whew. I don't ask for formal critique--that's a lot of work. But if you notice anything you think might help a poem (including, but not limited to spelling and punctuation!), please don't hesitate to mention it. In the comments, that's fine, or drop me a note: ptohlinecalhoun@gmail.com.

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"Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God."

~~I Peter 1:18-21, The Message

"The greatest and most difficult lesson, at times,, is learning to trust God."

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I love life, and treasure it each day, because I have come so very close to losing it, more times than I can count! That's not to say that I don't get grumpy, so I've chosen this photo of me with "Andi" nibbling on my ear. Andi belongs to our son Josh, the eldest of our three sons - the others being Matt and Adam.
I strive to improve in all aspects of my life. Some days I'm more successful than others, in much the same way as my blog says, "some days are cloudier than others." I live and love by the Grace of God. My wish, my prayer for everyone is enough. . .